Designer CeCe Barfield livened up this petite bath with wallpaper custom-colored to match the tones of the marble tile. The resulting monochromatic look helps the space feel more expansive. Photo by Lesley Unruh.

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In a New York City apartment designed by Alyssa Kapito and Vivian Muller, a pale-gray stripe gives the walls a subtle hint of interest. Photo by Manuel Rodriguez.

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It might just be the oldest trick in the book, but it works: A well-placed mirror can make a room look almost twice as large. You can install a single one that spans the length of your vanity, but hanging multiples—whether a matching pair hung side-by-side, or a mishmash hung salon-style—is equally as illuminating.

At home in upstate New York, designer Thom Filicia kitted out his master bath with rope-framed mirrors, wood paneling, and vintage-style hardware for a nautical look that suits the lakeside setting. Photo by Lesley Unruh.

There’s something undeniably luxurious about a deep, stand-alone bathtub. To make a splash, consider painting your walls white and having a little fun with the color of your tub. A claw-foot tub (or just its legs) can be finished in shades like red or yellow, while metallic designs bring their own brand of panache to the party.

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Mixing rustic and refined, the designers behind Giannetti Home added a marble sink from Belgium and an antique mirror to their home’s all-white powder room. A brass fountain spout was repurposed as a faucet. Photo by David Tsay.

One of the easiest ways to imbue your bathroom with a tranquil, spalike feel is by adding in a chic chair or two. And while an upholstered arm chair or plush bench might appear downright extravagant in a bathroom, they hold stacked towels beautifully and give you a spot to perch for everything from at-home pedicures to makeup application. Lacking extra space? Consider a investing in a simple garden stool.

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Having a white bathroom doesn’t mean you have to steer clear of wall art. We say bring it on. Liven up the room with as many pieces as your heart desires as long as they’re heavy on the white space and light on other accent colors. If you’d like to make it easy on yourself, stick to black and white, always an elegant combo.

An all-white bath lends itself well to a crisp, maritime vibe. Beadboard walls, rope details, and bright chrome fixtures will give the space a shipshape aesthetic—perfect for beach houses, lakeside homes, or anywhere else you want to channel coastal ease.

While there’s much to be said for going bold in these small spaces, don’t discount the option of keeping a powder room all-white. As long as you give it some interest (wallpaper, marble tile, a stunning antique mirror), a pale powder room can be just as statement-making as a pattern-rich jewel-box. And guests are sure to love the calming effect.

The contrast between smooth white surfaces and aged, antiqued patinas can add interest to even the tiniest bathrooms. To liven up a lackluster space, consider changing out basic fixtures for something with a sense of history (we love unlacquered brass) or replacing a plain-Jane mirror with a vintage version. Even hanging artwork in antique-gold frames can help to give a white-box bathroom an elegant boost.

In the home of author and cooking-school founder Alison Cayne, a black-painted claw-foot tub brings a moment of drama to an otherwise all-white space. Photo by Lesley Unruh.

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Whether through tiling or wallpaper, bringing a touch of subtle pattern into an all-white bathroom is a sure way to give the space depth and interest. To maintain the airy look, go for prints in pale gray on a white background, or white stone with light-gray veining.

Michelle accessorized a window nook with a tarnished silver trophy and a tiny metal scale, adding even more timeworn patina to the room. Photo by Lesley Unruh.

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Designer Suzanne Kasler chose curtains in a soft gray-blue silk for her dreamy master bathroom. The cool tone sets off the warm antique-brass finishes and adds to the restful atmosphere. Photo by Erica George-Dines.

If the all-white thing is too monochromatic for your tastes, pick a wall or two to paint. Blue—from a vibrant robin’s egg to a formal navy—plays well with white, but other hues such as emerald or peach can look just as fresh. As for which wall to paint, your room will look brighter if you target the one behind the mirror, leaving the one across from it (the one it reflects) a lighter tone.

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Whether your bathroom is warm and rustic or thoroughly modern, a major light fixture can take it from basic to out-of-bounds beautiful. Not only does interesting lighting show off high ceilings, drawing your attention upward, but it generally makes the room feel a whole lot more special. Don’t ever think a chandelier is too fancy for the WC—it’s not.

It’s elementary, my dear: White floors + white walls + white cabinetry = an open and airy space. But if you’re itching for a burst of nonpermanent color (or reside in a rental that forbids painting), a bright rug will do the trick. Plus your tootsies will thank you during winter months. Change the color of the rug with your mood or the season: maroon for winter, daffodil for spring. Anything goes with white on white.

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Light, bright, airy… Even the most ardent color-lovers among us can appreciate the crisp beauty of an all-white bathroom. Looking to give your own space a calming refresh? We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite examples here, with tips for pulling off a white-on-white look that’s anything but one-note. Read on and get inspired.

Deep brown or black floors are a trend with staying power (there’s something so modern yet classic about them, right?). In bathrooms they look luxe but need white walls and furnishings to balance them out. Tone them down even more with a pale rug.

One thoughtfully chosen element of color can make an otherwise all-white bath sing. Whether it’s adding a vintage rug, painting the vanity, or hanging a piece of oversize art, try swapping out something white for a more colorful option and enjoy an instant transformation.